Removal of Smog equipment

[james240]

OK you Zed Heads, here's the situation. I have a '73, California spec, automatic (which is currently being swapped out for a manual). I'm replacing Weber DVGs with '72 SUs (I have the whole intake and related equipment). The question is should I just install the SUs on the '73 emission laiden intake, or is there an advantage to using the other '72 intake parts? If so which parts can be removed or replace with '72 parts?

I live in rural TN and don't have to smog the car (infact the smog pump belt is not even on the car right now).

Speed up or get out of the way!

[2ManyZs]

If you are ging to use the earlier 72 carbs, I would suggest using the 72 intake with it. I believe the 73 intake is close to the same but the 72 will have less ports to plug off.

Not sure, but I think since it was an automatic car it will also have a dual point distributor(or did all the 73's have dual points). You might want to swap that out for an earlier single point out of a manual trans car. The second set of points were used to retard the timing if my memory is correct.

All the intake parts from the 72 should bolt right up to the engine with no problem.

[james240]

Thankx 2ManyZ -

I've already got the single point distributor - got it with the carbs. But it's questionable so I'm looking for an electronic ignition set up out of a '79+ ZX.

Another question - When I change out the intake what needs to be left behind. The '73 intake is plumbed and attached to everything. I'm looking forward to a cleaner looking set up.

Any suggestions appreciated.

ps: Can't wait to get it going again - better carbs, better ignition, manual tranny - should be quite a difference

[2ManyZs]

If the intake you have from the 72 is complete with all the linkages and hoses you won't need to leave anything behind from the 73 manifold. Just unhook the carb linkage at the clevis where it connects to the long shaft from the firewall and use the linkage form the 72. The only thing that might possiby be a little different is the water hose that goes from the front of the intake to the thermostat housing and perhaps the short rubber hose that connects to the transfer pipe around the back of the head.

You should be able to use the 72 hoses with no problem if you have them, if not you can get them from MSA for a reasonable price. I would suggest using new ones anyway as they can be a PITA to replace when the itake and all its hardware is on the car, especially the front one.

Of course you'll need a new intake gasket, and some new vacuum hoses but that should be about all you need.

[Dan]

I had a 72 Auto (that btw was also just changed to a manual, 5speed zx with R200 3.90) that i had to take all the smog stuff off. I took it all off, air pump, air galley, throttle opener valve, servo diaphram, all that crap until i had a nice clean balance tube. I pluged any holes in the balance tube with brass plugs. It runs better than ever, i also replaced the points with an electronic ignition L.E.D system from Crane that seemed to make a world of difference. I would get non smogged headers too if you don't already.